On NHL Network’s sister channel, MLB Network, baseball films are a way of life, especially during the slower parts of the regular season schedule and offseason. NHL Network has joined MLB Network in airing hockey movies, but one significant outlier has been The Mighty Ducks.
That ends on Monday to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the movie’s release, when NHL Network will finally premiere the classic film, complete with interviews from a handful of current NHL players, a pair of actors from the film, the screenwriter, and ex-Disney CEO/Chairman Michael Eisner.
Timed to the 25-year anniversary of its release, NHL Network will celebrate #NHLMovieNight, with the premiere of The Mighty Ducks on Monday, October 2 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Leading up to and immediately following the film, NHL Network will look back at how this iconic hockey film was created and the birth of the Anaheim Ducks organization in 1993. Included throughout are new interviews with former Walt Disney Company Chairman & CEO Michael Eisner and screenwriter Steven Brill, plus members of the original cast, including actor Matt Doherty, who played Lester Averman, and actor Vincent LaRusso, who played Adam Banks. A clip of Eisner and Doherty discussing the Ducks becoming an NHL franchise can be viewed here. Also featured are NHL stars Jamie Benn (Dallas Stars), Max Domi (Arizona Coyotes), Johnny Gaudreau (Calgary Flames), Taylor Hall (New Jersey Devils) Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers) and T.J. Oshie (Washington Capitals), who each discuss the lasting legacy of the movie. Before and during the film’s airing, NHL Network, the NHL and its clubs will follow along and post about the movie on social media. Fans are encouraged to join the conversation using the hashtag #NHLMovieNight.
NHL Network also released a teaser clip on Twitter, featuring some of the former player talking about who their favorite Mighty Duck (from the film, not the hockey franchise, of course) was.
Do you agree with @hallsy09, @jamiebenn14, @TJOshie77, @cmcdavid97 or @JeffSkinner?#NHLMovieNight—tomorrow at 8pE. pic.twitter.com/PouP1boTjd
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) October 1, 2017
I don’t think anyone would complain about The Mighty Ducks, D2 (which will celebrate its 25 year anniversary in 2021, so…maybe don’t wait for that milestone, guys), and Slap Shot getting worked into a regular rotation on a sports network.
Just don’t force us to sit through D3 or The Mighty Ducks cartoon. Please?
